The Relationship of Remedies: Kali Group

NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2001 Mar / Apr VOL III NO 2.

Dr Ajit Kulkarni
'Kali
Relationship Of Remedies
The subject of relationship of remedies is one of the most fascinating and one of the most
neglected aspects in homoeopathic prescribing. Its utility in clinical practice is profound
in terms of discrimination required for the sake of arriving at the simillimum out of the
flank and in terms of follow-up of a case where a physician has to use the wide
armamentarium-given:
i.
ii.
iii.

the environmental inputs out of the inter-action

the disease potential exerting its influence over the individual and
the remedial functionality.

Remedy relationship is nothing but the various relations that are shared between remedies
at many aspects, facets, dimensions, levels, phases and sectors. To fathom relations in its
depth, a homoeopathic physician must have following requisites:
i.
The concept of similarity: degrees and levels of similarity; the qualitative aspects
of similarity. The concept of relationship is a corollary of the concept of
similarity.
ii.
The knowledge of Materia Medica in its depth; perceiving the portrait in its
totality.
iii.
The conceptual understanding of data in Materia Medica vis--vis hard facts;
conceptual portrait original data-base.
iv. The knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, psychology, psychiatry,
biology, botany/ zoology, physics, chemistry etc: co-relations of concepts arriving
out of these allied faculties with Materia Medica.
v. The knowledge of logical and philosophical faculties vi) The knowledge of
miasms, susceptibility, disease etc.
Types Of Relationship
1. Analogue:
a. Something that bears an analogy to something else.
b. An organ or structure that is similar in function to one in another kind of
(organism), but is of dissimilar evolutionary origin.
c. Similar or equivalent in certain respects, close enough to be compared
(Syn. Akin, Cognate). Example: Caus., Co., Lach, Lyc, Puls are analogues
of Arg-n. Analogue relations are of many types : acute, chronic, nearest,
vegetable, chemical etc.
2. Cyclic Or Sequential:
The portrait of a disease is heterogenous, non-descript, messed-up and hence
confusing to a physician as to the selection of a single remedy. With an orderly
analysis, one can go in for a cycle of remedies in a consecutive / successive

manner. Example: A patient with abdominal colic requiring Caust Coloc Staph
in succession if the totality is not distinctly covered by a single drug.
3. Intercurrent:
If the status quo condition is maintained, the case comes to a standstill, a remedy
interpolated / interposed in between, rouses the vital force to steer the system
towards recovery. The intercurrent remedy should not necessarily be a nosode.
Examples: Tub in a case of pneumonia with delayed resolution or recurrent
pneumonia; Thyroidinum in a case of Urticaria with family h/o thyroid disorder.
4. Miasmatic:
Miasms are the morbid constitutions, which make the system vulnerable and
develop certain traits, tendencies, diathesis etc. Hence a structural fault has to be
corrected at the constitutional level with the appropriate anti-miasmatic treatment.
The miasmatic block acts as an obstacle against recovery.
The patient and the drug in Materia Medica represent Psora Sycosis Tubercle
Syphilis.

5.

6.

7.

8.

The remedy must cover not only the manifestations but also the underlying
miasmatic state. Hence miasmatic relations are extremely important. It gives us
the assessment of layers and follow-up guidance. Example: Gels is psoric, Kali-c,
Arg-m are sycotic, Sil, Calc-sil are sycotic, Sil, Caust are psoro-sycotic, (like Sul),
or a psoro-syphilitic (like Psor) or a syphilo-sycotic (like Plb, Zinc).
Inimical / Incompatible:
Some injurious effects were observed by prescribers after the administration of
some remedies (like a complex dissimilar disease). Central structural similarity is
not achieved, instead peripheral formal similarity is only corresponded. This gives
rise to some non-desirable effects. Example: Con is inimical to Psor. Caust is
inimical to Phos.
Antidotal Relationship:
In view of intense action of the remedy being registered over the system, a
physician would like to counteract it. Clinical experience is the source of this
relationship. Example: Hep-s is the antidote to Merc, Bry antidotes Insulin.
Complementary:
The previous remedy has exhausted its action and it needs to be furthered /
complemented / supplemented by an appropriate remedy which is analogous but
deeper acting. Two types : acute complement of the chronic or chronic
complement of the acute.
Synonym: Remedies that follow well.
The knowledge of phase of right timing is needed for successful application of
this relationship. Example: Ars is an acute complement of Kali-c. Sil is chronic
complement of Puls. A remedy which is complementary can also act as antidote.
This is dependent on the assessment of previous remedy's action.
Affiliated:
a) To form close relationship with larger group. b) To associate (oneself) as a
subordinate or subsidiary. Example: "I am affiliated to University of Health
Sciences, Nashik". Kali-c is affiliated to Sul (or via it) to Calc.

9. Symbiotic:
a. Two remedies that have some elements in common and are useful one
after the other. Potential actions of both remedies are the same. They share
the same potential action with the same result.
b. Give and take relationship (for survival). Example: The trio Am-c (Psora),
Lach (Syphilis), Rhus-t (Sycosis) and Calc-c (all three Miasms) are a
symbiotic family. Symbiotics of Kali-c. are Kali-i., Kali-n., Lach.
10. Sectorial:
Instead of similarity at total level, it is observed at certain sector(s), region(s),
location(s), organ(s), system(s), sensation(s), pathology, symptom(s) or sign(s).
Example: Expanded sensation : Apis-m, Arg-n. Keloid pathology: Graph, Sil,
Thuja.
11. Milder / Lesser And Deeper / Intensified Relationship:
This relationship is the derivation of the remedial functionality on the basis of
pace / depth / intensity / fury of action. Two types: Sectorial and General. Acute /
chronic and complementary / Remedies that follow well have this relationship as
the base. Basically this relationship conforms to layers.
Example: The lodides and Murs are less deep-acting than Carbs; and of the
former, lodides are more angrily acting than other two. Iods and Sulphs never
disown their parents Iodine, Sulphur.
Carb-v is a lesser Kali-c.
Asct-t is a lesser Bry, also a lesser Kali-c.
Lach is an intensified Kali-i, Belllis-p is a greater or deeper Arn.
Syph is an intensified close-up of the broader remedies Phos, Kali-i and Sul-i and
also complements them.
12. Source / Group / Family / Kingdom:
The remedies in Materia Medica are derived from various sources. On the basis of
these sources, one can formulate many relations that can serve useful in clinical
practice.
Example: Mild snakes: Card, Puls, Ust, Kali-i, Sul-ac.
Chemical snake: Am-carb.
Bry is botanical congener of Colo. Colo is a vegetable Mag-phos, Gels is a
vegetable Lach, also a vegetable and acute Kali-c.
Urt-urens, is vegetable, Apis-m, is animal (and both are acutes of) Nat-m.
13. 'Stages' Relationship:
Evolution is important attribute of remedial action. This gives rise to multiple
ways of relations of Materia Medica. Son / Father / Twin / Family, Child / Youth /
Old age, Patron / Confrere / Comrade / Friend etc. are types of this relationship.
This facilitates deeper understanding of remedies. Example: Ambr-g is old man's
Ign, a negative Puls.
Caust, and Kali-c, are twins: Kali-c goes deeper in gastro-pectoral-cardiac sphere
while Caust, does so in paralysis or neuro-muscular sphere.

Lyc, is an aged Arg-n.

Carc is an offspring of Sul and Tub.
An aged Sep may need Con.
Children of Ign mother may require Medo or Nat-m.
Nat-m patients require a preparatory course of Arg-n to bring up tone.
14. Trio / Quartet:
Trio: A group of three remedies that are useful one after other in a definite order.
e.g. Sul-Calc-Lyc. This order is irreversible: Lyco cannot come before Calc or Sul
Quartet refers to quadrilateral picture. Example: Trios: Kali-c-Caust-Lyc. Quartet:
Ambr-g, Arg-n and Kali-c present a complete quadrilateral picture of hysteria,
flatulence, rheumatism and heart. Arg-n-Caust-Con-Lyc: a collateral quartet.
Reflections and Ramifications of Group Study of Materia Medica Before we venture
to deal with the group study of Kali remedies some clarity is essential.
Group: Definition
1.
2.
3.
4.

An assemblage of persons or objects considered together.

Two or more figures that make up a unit or a design, as in sculpture or painting.
A number of individuals or things considered together of certain similarities.
Two or more atoms behaving or regarded as behaving as a single chemical unit.
Also called "radical".

Objectives Of Group Study

1. To simplify the cumbersome data available in Materia Medica.
2. To arrive at the constitutional, intercurrent, acute remedy or in general an accurate
homoeopathic remedy within short time.
3. To develop the study of radicals: Cations / Anions and of their inter-relationship;
co-relation with data in Materia Medica.
4. To formulate some concepts and verify them through experimentation for further
study and enrichment of Materia Medica.
5. To derive (conceptual) data out of logical thinking and to make a portrait of the
remedy in the absence of "drug proving."
6. To help resolve the problem of fixities/non-fixities, hard/abstract data and its
relevance to the study of Materia Medica.
7. To study each unit like kingdoms, families, groups, minerals, positive and
negative radicals etc. with inclusive and exclusive approach.
8. To derive/assume unknown facets of remedies and apply them in practice for
verification through adequate clinical experiences.
9. To corroborate the work done by researchers on group study of Materia Medica or
to refute the work if it is discrepant.
10. To see how far logical interpretation has a role to play in the conceptual building
of the portrait of a remedy in Materia Medica as developed by several authors
through the process of collation, the base firmly being determined as clinical
verifications.

Demerits Of Group Study

The study of Materia Medica through 'group' involves, veritably, the principle of
generalization. In the process of generalization, one has to neglect or sacrifice individual
attributes that are not resonant and it is here that the problem develops. We enter into the
zone where we may mar the efficacy of our remedies, their very e'lan or raison d'etre.
What one achieves with an individual remedy study in its totality, one can't achieve with
group study.
'a particular case in hand needs a particular group and out of that group a particular
remedy' may appear simple and uncomplicated! But mind well, fishing out the
simillimum is a complex and intricate process that involves multi-dimensional aspects
having sound philosophical base. The 'work-out' of the case is an in-depth analytical
process requiring a mature, sensible mind. If one is tempted at the process of simplified
type, 'habits die hard'!
We need to take a balanced view, hence, towards the study of Materia Medica with a
group consideration. One should not rely too much on group study in view of the content
of a generic concept being narrower, as specific / individual features are excluded from
the study. At the same time a physician should understand that individual remedy
literature (chiefly of polychrests) is too prodigious.
General Discussion on Kali
Kali's are difficult to spot. Although they present a plethora of symptoms (overt response,
Mag on other hand display a covert response), it is heterogeneous and hence it is difficult
to build up a portrait out of raw material. A portrait is one that understands the nature of
data and the value of data. It is one that understands the nature of data a period of time
where integration is the interwining thread.
Evolution Of Kali
Childhood: Born oversensitive. Touchy. Attached to family- more to father if the gender
is female or vice-versa. Calc and Puls are two other drugs attached to family but with
some differences: Calc out of insecurity and fears and Puls out of its emotional
dependence and company desire, she is more like a leech. Dependency does play a role in
the attachment of Kali but Kali children are more demanding than Calc and Puls.
Parasitism in Kali is not only due to dependency but also due to hoarding instinct. Calc
are, in comparison, more self-contented; Puls pushes her demands unconsciously. All
three Kali, Calc and Puls want to be petted and caressed, but Puls ranks high out of them.
Phos child also has the same temperament. But Phos is more lively and cheerful which is
an innate and spontaneous trait; Kali is cheerful out of dependency while Calc gives more
a feeling of contention coupled with inertia and it needs a stronger stimulus to remove its
inertia out of all.
In our experience, childhood of Kali has two-fold aspects-one of pampering and another
of moral-ethical-disciplinised. The former keeps the child dependent and with weak will
and the latter develops in a child high sense of duty and responsibility. This blend makes
Kali closed and reserved, conscientious and reliable, timid and self-centered.

Family Upbringing
Kali child may be born in a family where there is a conflict between father and mother in
terms of materialism and spiritualism. There is a ritualistic atmosphere at home, but there
is poverty. The child gradually learns the importance of money and his hoarding instinct
increases. Or the child has enjoyed the childhood well in terms of richness and protection
and suddenly there is a loss of a father or a business loss. The child experiences both
poles-richness and poverty. Early responsibility befalls on him and be becomes more
responsible. He has to fight for his bread and butter, for his family. Pragmatism then
becomes the theme. However, beneath this pragmatism lies his weakness of will which
constraints him against major achievements and his hoarding that make him selfish.
Weakness of will, dependency, insecurity masquerade as anxiety. He prefers to remain
routinist, conformist, traditional and tries to avoid taking new enterprise. He can't face the
challenges thrown to him. He becomes a shirker, an escapist. Any change in routine
where he will have standup courageously aggravates him and develops in him anxiety. If
this extends too far Kali goes to the negative side being rigid, dogmatic and very dry. It is
as if the system learns to remain grounded firmly for the sake of survival, instead facing
the harsh and complex life!
Squareness
Routines, conservatism, conventionality, rigidity - all with conscientiousness make Kali a
'square' person. He clings to old concepts and firmly believes on 'old is gold'. Inflexible
he is, while acting squarely, he will not square a person and will not allow others to take
the bribe. People like Anna Hajare or Khairnar exhibit Kali personality.
Kalis are not open to modern fashions and changes in culture. Instead be carried away,
they will stick up to their beliefs and values.